Getting started – support for reflection and engagement expressive arts

What changes have been made since the publication of the draft expressive arts framework? What was said? The presentation of the framework should be simplified to make it more easily understood. The words 'magic, wonder and power' should be removed. Edit the language of several of the outcomes. Further advice on skills development. Further explanation required for complex/technical language. What was done: Grids added, generic statements embedded within the experiences and outcomes. Replaced with inspiration and power of the arts. Several outcomes amended to improve cogency. Statement on skills development included in introductory statement. Appendix containing explanations and glossary added to experiences and outcomes.

What can learning in the expressive arts achieve for children and young people? What are the broad features of assessment in the expressive arts? How are the expressive arts connected with the other areas of the curriculum? How important is inspiration and enjoyment? How can the expressive arts contribute to the curriculum in its broadest sense? Reflecting on the principles and practice in expressive arts

In expressive arts there are: Five introductory statements A set of experiences and outcomes for presenting and performing covering all the expressive arts Four organisers Appendix – explanations and glossary. The four organisers are: Art and design Dance Drama Music. How are the experiences and outcomes structured in expressive arts ?

Experiences and outcomes in expressive arts Why do some statements cross more than one level? These describe learning which needs to be revisited, applied in new contexts and deepened over a more extended period. Why is there a dotted line between third and fourth level? This is to demonstrate the close relationship and likely overlap between the two levels. Fourth level will provide the depth of experiences based on prior learning from third level. Why are there sometimes fewer statements at third level than in second and fourth? This happens because of the particular significance of the third level as part of the entitlement for all young people. They represent a drawing together of a number of aspects of learning within expressive arts.

Getting started in expressive arts: some questions for discussion Building on your current practice, what are the implications for what and how you teach? How will you ensure the needs of all learners are met? Which experiences and outcomes could you link within expressive arts, across other curriculum areas and the world of work to provide a coherent experience for learners? How might you ensure that learning and teaching reflects the values, purposes and principles of Curriculum for Excellence? How will you develop partnerships with professional arts companies?

Where do you go from here? The journey may be different for everyone, but you may wish to consider some first steps towards change, for example: identifying and sharing effective practice identifying and prioritising professional development needs experimenting with learning and teaching approaches.